Cleaning HVAC before Spring

Spring is not far. It is just around the corner and before you know it, spring will be here. All of us need the air conditioning in spring. But, have we ever thought that our air conditioners also need to be ready for spring and summer? So, is your HVAC unit ready to perform to the demands of warmer weather?

Many of you might say, “..oh I have a new system.” You feel having a new system does not require tune up for spring. You need to remember that a relatively new system needs regular maintenance so that it can run properly and efficiently. Surely, the last thing you would want is that your air conditioner breaks down in the middle of a hot day.

Why should I clean my HVAC before summer?

Servicing the air conditioner before spring is really important. Your HAVC unit will house effects of the harsh winter. Most systems have dirty coils and clogged filters that affect the working of the system. These problems, if not addressed immediately, can result in repairs that will make a hole in your pocket. Reports from the of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) say that if the heating and cooling systems are not cleaned periodically, the system is likely to incur additional costs of $1000 per cooling season.

Can I avoid my system from breaking down?

Yes. You can. But only if you have a twice-a-year maintenance check schedule and stick to it. There are a few checks that need to be carried out at least twice a year. These could be done DIY or by hiring the services of a professional, qualified HVAC technician.

What do I need to check in my HVAC before spring sets in?

These are some essential checks and probable repairs you need to carry out after winter.

• Inspection of the evaporator coil. This will ensure that the coil is functioning properly, is clean and allows the unit to drain sufficiently.
• Checking the filters of the air conditioning. Clean the filters thoroughly or replace it if necessary. Pleated air filters need to be changed at a frequency between one and three months. Standard fiberglass filters will need a frequent replacement and electronic air cleaners need careful cleaning according to manufacture specifications.  HEPA filters are ones that last up to six months and easy to clean too. You can clean them with a vacuum nozzle.  
• Inspect the wiring and all connections of the HVAC unit. This will help you detect if any cracks have formed in the wires and if all connections work properly.
• Thorough inspection of the condenser coil. This is essential because if it is clean, it will deliver efficiency.
• Analysis of the unit’s temperature drop. It you feel overly warm, there is sure to be a problem somewhere.  
• Ensure the drainage hole is clean. Most air conditioners have a drainage hole that is fitted to the base of the cabinet. Usually, these are found beneath the evaporator fins. This hole needs to be kept clean and clear so that the air conditioner can work properly. It will be good to use a paper clip or a wire to poke through the hole to check if it is clean. If it’s not clean, then proceed to cleaning it.

With a little advance planning, you can ensure that your HVAC system is ready for the spring, and that there will be no surprise breakdowns or unbudgeted expenses in the process.

Home Air Conditioning - Spring Cleaning Tips

In most households, spring cleaning is a common practice. Not only does it involve a lot of work and patience, but also needs presence of mind and a good memory. The spring cleaning list can be difficult to remember and sometimes a few slip out.

Although overwhelming, the easiest place to start is the home air conditioning system. Cleaning of your home heating and cooling system should be definitely on your list. At least, this ensures (and justifies) the most important reason to resting at home – the comfort.

Clean air is a clean home! Make spring cleaning a tradition. It is a good idea in each spring to use a paper clip or wire to poke through the hole and clear the list as you complete each chore. 

Here is a list of things you can do to get started with cleaning your home Air Conditioning system:

1. Conduct a check of your air-conditioning and heating equipment whenever a new season begins.

2. Clean and replace the furnace and air-conditioning filters every month. You can replace the filters with fiberglass ones. These will last only for a month, while others typically last three to four months. You could also consider installing HEPA filters, which last up to six months. They can be easily cleaned with a vacuum nozzle.

3. If your air conditioner has a drainage hole at the base of the cabinet, as most units do, you need to take special care to clean them. This hole is typically found beneath the evaporator fins and plays an important role in the efficient working of the air conditioner. 

4. Wash the exterior part of the condenser unit with a hose. This will remove dirt and debris that would have accumulated in the fin area.

5. For the dehumidifier cleaning, remove the housing and allow the unit to dry completely. Use a vacuum to clean every accessible surface and crevice.

6. Chiller tubes are tubes that can become packed with deposits of algae, slime, and sludge. Cleaning these tubes regularly ensures that they not only operate efficiently, but also help in controlling the growth of harmful bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. Using a simple tube cleaner is the easiest way as it flushes out the water through the tubes, which also loosens the deposits.

7. Make sure the doors and windows of your house are caulked and sealed properly. This will not only keep humidity and heat from seeping inside your home, but also help in the efficient working of your air conditioners.

8. Check to see if any moisture or water is dripping inside the house. If yes, it is probably due to a dirty evaporator coil.  Clean the evaporator coil or call for a technician.

9. Finally, check and clean fans and belts. It you see any signs of wear and tear, replace the part immediately. Periodic lubrication of parts and valves also helps a lot.

Preventative HVAC Maintenance is a Good Investment

Apart from these tips, it is highly recommended that you hire the services of a heating ventilation and cooling contractor in your area. The contractor will perform periodic checks of your entire HVAC systems. Not only will they clean and maintain the systems. They will also be able to predict any major repair that may be round the corner. What is more, they will also offer advice on how to prevent the problem or solve it early, so you can save yourself from unwanted repairs that would cost you much in the future.